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September
28, 2003
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HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER SUPPORTS CHOLESTEROL AWARENESS
Hackensack University Medical Center is encouraging everyone to become more familiar with cholesterol and its relationship to health. High levels of cholesterol have been linked to heart disease, a leading cause of death in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Lowering cholesterol decreases the risk of this and other health problems. “High cholesterol is among the most prevalent health concerns each year,” said Louis Teichholz, M.D., chief of the division of cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine and director of cardiac services at Hackensack University Medical Center. “Many aspects of our day-to-day lifestyles affect our cholesterol levels, and there are serious potential consequences to our choices. Therefore, those of us in the medical profession take the opportunity to stress the importance of diet and exercise.” Cholesterol is produced by the liver and performs a variety of necessary functions, from producing hormones and vitamins to protecting cells. It can become harmful to the body only when excessive amounts are produced and circulate in the bloodstream. Excess cholesterol forms a plaque to block arteries---a condition known as arteriosclerosis. The plaque can clog blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. According to the CDC, there are various ways to lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Those who suffer from elevated cholesterol levels, as determined by a physician, can address the condition through lifestyle changes. The CDC has determined that diet, exercise and weight management are helpful in controlling cholesterol levels. There are also medications used to lower cholesterol, which are often incorporated into a treatment plan. For more information please visit the medical center’s Website at www.humc.com. |
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